Becoming a Military Weapons Specialist

I'm curious about careers as a military weapons specialist. What kind of training and education do you need to pursue this job right after high school?

Entering a specialized role such as a military weapons specialist typically involves several steps. Your journey would start with enlistment in the U.S Armed Forces right after you graduate from high school. Keep in mind that different branches of military might have varying requirements, but generally, you would need to meet the following requirements:

- Be at least 17 years old, with parental consent, or 18 years old without.

- Have a high school diploma.

- Pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB), a multi-aptitude test that helps predict future academic and occupational success in the military.

- Meet physical fitness standards.

- Have no serious criminal record.

Once you are enlisted, you can express interest in becoming a weapons specialist. If you score adequately in the Mechanical Maintenance section of the ASVAB, you may have a better chance of being placed in this role.

After basic training, you would attend Advanced Individual Training (AIT). In AIT, you would learn the skills required for your job through a combination of hands-on experience and classroom study. For a weapons specialist, this might involve learning about the wide array of weaponry used by the military, how to maintain, repair, and store such weaponry, and safety protocols.

Throughout your military career, you would have the chance to take additional courses and receive further training to advance in your field. Military experience also often translates well into civilian roles after service, such as positions with defense contractors or law enforcement agencies.

Remember, a career in the military is a significant commitment and should not be taken lightly. Take time to do thorough research, talk to recruiters and current service members, and weigh the potential risks and benefits before making a decision.